WASHINGTON, May 2: Donald Trump has intensified Washington’s long-running confrontation with Cuba after signing a far reaching executive order that broadens American sanctions against the island nation’s government, businesses and international partners.
The move, confirmed by White House officials, marks one of the strongest economic actions taken by the Trump administration against Havana in recent years. The order expands restrictions beyond Cuban officials and now allows penalties against foreign individuals, companies and financial institutions linked to major sectors of Cuba’s economy.
New US Measures Expand Economic Restrictions on Cuba
According to the White House, the executive order targets people, entities and affiliates believed to support Cuba’s security and intelligence network or those accused of corruption and human rights abuses. The sanctions cover a broad range of industries including energy, mining, defence, metals, financial services and internal security operations.
The administration also introduced secondary sanctions, giving US authorities the power to penalise third-party businesses or banks that conduct transactions with sanctioned Cuban entities. Analysts say the expanded reach could affect companies in Europe, Asia and Latin America that maintain commercial ties with Havana.
Officials did not immediately release the names of individuals or organisations designated under the latest order.
White House Targets Key Cuban Industries and Allies
The Trump administration defended the action by describing Cuba as a threat to American national security and regional stability. The White House accused Havana of maintaining close ties with hostile governments and militant organisations while continuing political repression at home.
In a fact sheet released alongside the order, the administration claimed Cuba has supported adversarial intelligence operations near US territory and provided safe haven to extremist groups. It also argued that the Cuban government’s policies have fuelled migration pressures toward the United States.
The sanctions come after earlier Trump administration actions targeting oil shipments and trade connected to Cuba. In January 2026, Washington imposed tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island, significantly increasing economic pressure on the Cuban leadership.
Havana Condemns Sanctions as “Collective Punishment”
The Cuban government swiftly rejected the new measures. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla criticised the sanctions as illegal and coercive, accusing Washington of violating international law and the United Nations Charter.
In a statement shared on social media during Cuba’s May Day celebrations, Rodriguez said the measures amount to “collective punishment” against ordinary Cuban citizens rather than government officials.
“The United States has no right whatsoever to impose measures against Cuba or against third countries or entities,” he stated, insisting the Cuban people would not be intimidated by American pressure.
The latest sanctions arrive at a difficult time for Cuba, which continues to struggle with fuel shortages, economic stagnation and frequent electricity blackouts.
Rising US-Cuba Tensions Spark Global Attention
The executive order has drawn international attention because of its global implications. Experts warn that foreign banks and companies conducting business with Cuba could now face restrictions on access to the American financial system.
Several observers compared the strategy to US sanctions policies previously used against Iran and other nations viewed as hostile by Washington.
Online reactions remained sharply divided. Some social media users argued the tougher restrictions could weaken the Cuban government, while others claimed decades of sanctions have failed to force political change on the island.
Fresh Order Signals Hardline Washington Strategy
Trump has repeatedly signalled a tougher approach toward left-wing governments in Latin America. Following recent US actions against Venezuela and the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the American president hinted that Cuba could face even stronger measures in the future.
The latest executive order underscores the administration’s determination to increase pressure on Havana despite criticism from Cuba and some international observers.
Relations between Washington and Havana have remained tense for decades, shaped by disputes over political freedoms, economic policies and property claims dating back to the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro.
While the Trump administration argues the sanctions are necessary to defend US security interests, Cuban leaders maintain that their socialist system and national sovereignty are not open to negotiation.
As tensions continue to rise, the impact of the expanded sanctions on Cuba’s struggling economy and international trade relations will likely become clearer in the coming weeks.